Psoriatic Arthritis

(Arthritis, Psoriatic; PsA)

Definition

Psoriatic arthritis is a long-term condition that causes pain and swelling in the joints. Overtime it can cause be damaging to the joints and cause disability.
It is associated with a skin condition called
psoriasis
, but not everyone that has psoriasis will develop psoriatic arthritis.

Psoriatic arthritis is an autoimmune disease which means the body attacks its own healthy tissue.

The exact cause of psoriatic arthritis is not known. It may be due to a combination of genetics and environmental triggers.

Risk Factors

Factors that increase your chance of psoriatic arthritis includes having:

Psoriasis for 5-12 years

Psoriasis with symptoms such as lesions on the scalp and pitted or dented nails

A specific gene characteristic that has been linked to psoriatic arthritis

A family member with psoriatic arthritis

Symptoms

Psoriatic arthritis usually develops in people who already have psoriasis. Symptoms that may indicate the development of psoriatic arthritis include:

Joint pain and tenderness in one or more joints (can be any joint including knees, feet, hands, wrists, and elbows)

Joint swelling

Joint stiffness, especially in the morning

Red or warm joints

Changes in fingernails and toenails (pitting in the nails, crumbling nails, or nails separating from the nail bed)

Swelling of fingers

Pain and inflammation of tendons where they join muscles

Back pain

Fatigue

Diagnosis

Your doctor will ask about your symptoms and medical history, especially information about your psoriasis. A physical exam will be done. Your doctor will rule out similar conditions with the physical exam.

To look for signs of an inflammation and cause of joint problem your doctor may order:

Blood tests to look for autoimmune disease

Analysis of the fluid in the joints

Tests to check how the immune system is functioning

Imaging tests may also be done to look for damage to the joint. Images may include:

Revision Information

This content is reviewed regularly and is updated when new and relevant evidence is made available. This information is neither intended nor implied to be a substitute for professional medical advice. Always seek the advice of your physician or other qualified health provider prior to starting any new treatment or with questions regarding a medical condition.